BEST RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL

After giving you the list of things to eat in Istanbul, here’s another list of the best and highly recommended restaurants that you should try.

ENJOOOOY!

1.Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı – The dish Cağ kebabıis said to have originated from a city in Eastern Turkey. The döner is cooked horizontally as the layers of lamb meat is cut thicker and cooked on a big skewer over hot charcoal. This is our favorite restaurant in Istanbul! We probably ate here two times. It’s affordable and the kebap is really tasty.

Address: Ankara Caddesi, Hoca Paşa Sokak, No: 4, Istanbul 34420, Turkey

+90 212 520 3361

 

2. Baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu – It’s known to be making Baklava ever since 1820 so it’s safe to say it’s one of the best.

Address: Rıhtım Cad. No:3-4 Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Istanbul 34425, Turkey

+90 212 293 0910

 

3.  Köfte at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta – This is another personal favorite where we probably have eaten here… three times? Those Köfte or Turkish meatballs will definitely make you forget all other meatballs that you’ve tasted. It’s so simple but the most delicious dish Istanbul is known for.  When it’s dinnertime, expect a long line so I suggest go early to avoid the line and be seated right away.

Address: Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

 

4. Konak Restaurant – If you’re on the Princes’ Islands tour, most likely you’ll stop over Büyükada. There’s a variety of food choices here and not to mention, affordable with an amazing view! It’s a quiet place and the service is quick.

Address: Büyükada-maden Mahallesi, Şht. Recep Koç Cd. No:47, 34970 Adalar/Istanbul, Turkey

 

5. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı –We came across this while we were walking around Beyoglu district. We suggest that you make reservations because it’s usually full. We were lucky enough to arrive early and at a weird time to be accommodated.

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Bekar Sk. No:28, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

 

THINGS TO EAT IN ISTANBUL

The first thing we look forward to every country we visit is the food. Istanbul is a culinary experience to behold. Given its centuries of east meets west culture, the food here developed to be one of a kind. To truly experience Turkish culture, one must try their delicacies.

And of course, who doesn’t love food?! So, it was definitely our pleasure to share what are the MUST TRY food in Istanbul, Turkey.

Here’s the list:

1.Turkish Breakfast – I always look forward to a good sip of their Turkish tea which seems to be preferred by locals than coffee in the morning. The breakfast is composed of sliced tomatoes and/or cucumbers, white bread, cheese, honey and cherry/strawberry jam, butter and boiled eggs. We were lucky enough to stay in an Airbnb where our view is the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in front and the Marmara Sea at the back.

 

2.Döner – This can be found anywhere in Istanbul. You just need to take your pick on which is the best one. A Döner is a tasty thinly sliced meat in vertical or horizontal splits served with pita bread.

 

3.Iskender Kebap – It’s a Döner dish of beaten pieces of meat, seasoned with local spices and herbs with butter and tomato sauce on the side. There’s also yougurt on the side of the plate.

(Photo not mine. Credits to owner.)

 

4.Baklava – A definite must try in Istanbul! There was an ongoing food festival so we were lucky enough to have an aisle of baklava pastry shops to choose from! The ingredients are phyllo dough, nuts and syrup. The nuts toppings may vary from walnuts, pistachios or hazelnuts. Our personal favorite was the pistachio covered baklava.

 

5.Dondurma – It’s the famous Turkish Ice Cream. You’ll see several stalls along the shopping district or actually, anywhere, selling this. Aside from its compact and creamy texture, the vendor’s performance is annoyingly amusing!

 

6.Simit – We had this on our way to Princes’ Islands. You might consider this as the Turkish version of a Bagel. It’s a dough ring with sesame seed on the crust. Vendors are able to walk around and sell these because bakeries mass-produce these as breakfast or for snacks.

 

7.Balik-Ekmek – It’s a popular street food in the city, next to Simit. This fish bread is cheap and a good snack to satisfy hunger. It’s grilled fish, usually mackerel, with onions, tomato and lettuce. You’ll see these near the Bosphorus and Golden Hour boat cruise stations. We bought ours just before you cross the Galata Bridge in Eminönü. They say it’s better eaten when you’re standing than seated.

(Photo not mine. Credits to owner.)